Aren't you pumped? GeekBall is back, baby!

We’re just two days away from the big GeekWire Summer Bash, taking place June 21 at Seattle’s Showbox Sodo. And while it might not feel like summer around these parts, that’s not holding us back. (Heck, everyone knows that summer doesn’t offically start in Seattle until after Independence Day, right?)

Speaking of fireworks, we’ll have plenty of them on Thursday afternoon as more than 500 of the GeekWire faithful turn out for the tech fiesta of the year. We’ve already announced the brackets for the ping pong and foosball tournaments, but we’ve got a lot more in store than those fast-paced geek sporting events.

We love throwing parties. And this one is shaping up to be our best yet, with an amazing lineup of prizes as well as some special surprise guest appearances. Tickets are still available, but make sure to get yours here before prices go up on Thursday. Heck, bring the entire team out and fly your corporate colors, and you might just earn the coveted “Geek Pride” award for the evening.

Our launch party last year was epic. But we’re getting even more excited about this bash. Here’s why:

1. GeekBall is Back

Yes, you loved it at last year’s launch party. And it will be back in all of its geeky glory. Where else can you combine your love of soccer and billiards? Jump on the geekball court, and show us what you’ve got. Plus, our wacky friends at Filter will bringing a rock n’ roll theme to the court this year, with one lucky entrant winning tickets to see legendary rock band KISS. You know you want to see the live version of “Beth”.

2. Prizes. Prizes Prizes.

We’ve never had such an awesome array of prizes, from home/office makeovers to Kobo electronic reading devices to Sounders tickets. Your chances of walking out the door with something cool is pretty gosh-darned good.

3. Hunt for the Golden Ping Pong Balls

Love looking for things. Try this game on for size. We’re hiding 10 golden ping pong balls around the venue. Find one, and you’ll earn an awesome prize.

4. Mystery Guests and Costumes

If we told you, it wouldn’t be a mystery now would it? But here’s what I will let on. For my first round ping pong match against superstar Valeri Kim, I’ll be dressing up as a 1970s-80s sports icon. Guess which one? And speaking of costumes, the individual or team that does the best job touting their corporate colors or spirit will earn the coveted “Geek Pride” award. Get creative!

Beer pong photo via Yogma

5. Beer Pong

Come on you Coug, time to show off your mad skills at a sport that really matters. Beer pong will be taking place in the back bar area, and what happens back there, stays back there.

6. Networking is a Contact Sport

Where else can you watch entrepreneurs and developers face off against venture capitalists and bankers — smashing and serving their way to success? Seriously, we think geeky sports bring people together in interesting and fun ways. You might just meet your next investor, business partner or developer while shooting on the beer pong table or knocking them off the GeekBall court.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Thursday. Doors open at 3 p.m. for ping pong and foosball players, and the party will get rolling at 4 p.m. sharp. See you there!

And, as always, a huge thanks to sponsors KoboFilterBarokas PRGistKorrio, Tableau SoftwareTurnstoneWaggener EdstromExsilio SolutionsThePlatformZipwhipSEOmozPayScale, and Christensen O’Connor Johnson & Kindness for making the event possible.

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